Shanghai

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Why visit Shanghai?

Shanghai pulses with a rhythmic intensity defined by its shifting architectural eras. Begin in the Puxi district to walk the shaded lane houses of the French Concession, where plane trees canopy 1920s shikumen architecture. Transition to the Bund to admire the hulking stone facades of the colonial era, standing in direct dialogue with the neon-drenched, futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. The sensory experience deepens in the chaotic, narrow alleys of the Old City, where the Yuyuan Garden offers a precise, tranquil counterpoint of Ming-era rockeries and koi ponds. Whether you are navigating the polished marble of the Shanghai Tower or seeking the quiet precision of the Long Museum, the scale of the metropolis remains staggering.

Culinary exploration is essential, centered around the ritual of local dining. Visit a street-side stall for xiaolongbao, the delicate soup-filled dumplings that demand careful handling, or find a refined table for braised hongshao rou, a sweet and savory pork belly that defines Shanghainese comfort food. Spend an afternoon wandering the antique markets of Dongtai Road before enjoying a tea ceremony in the bustling tea houses surrounding the Huxinting Pavilion. Shanghai is a precise intersection of rapid modernization and preserved regional identity, best understood through its relentless appetite for evolution.

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Tony AI creates personalized day-by-day itineraries based on your budget, travel style and interests. No more hours of research — get your perfect Shanghai plan in seconds.

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Everything for your Shanghai trip

Book flights, stays, tours and more — all in one place

More options: Kiwi.com · Oojo · seats.aero · Arangrant · HopeGoo · QEEQ · VIP Cars · GetTransfer · ViaToVia · Saily · Yesim · GigSky · Klook · EF Ultimate Break · EF Adventures · AirHelp Plus · CruiseDirect

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Popular experiences in Shanghai

The things travellers book most here. You pay the same price as booking direct.

Top tours & activities in Shanghai

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When to go to Shanghai

The best months for Shanghai are April, May, September, October and November. Highs then range from 18°C to 28°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is expensive.

Jan
10°
low 1°
7 wet days
Feb
11°
low 4°
11 wet days
Mar
16°
low 8°
13 wet days
Apr
21°
low 12°
9 wet days
May
25°
low 17°
11 wet days
Jun
29°
low 22°
15 wet days
Jul
32°
low 26°
20 wet days
Aug
32°
low 26°
15 wet days
Sep
28°
low 22°
14 wet days
Oct
23°
low 16°
7 wet days
Nov
18°
low 10°
8 wet days
Dec
11°
low 2°
5 wet days
Highlighted = best monthsNumber = average daytime highBar = how wet the month is

Temperatures and wet days are measured, not estimated: ERA5 reanalysis for 2021-2023, at Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality. Source: Open-Meteo.

Planning Shanghai

Best time to visit ShanghaiMonth by month, measuredWhere to stay in ShanghaiWhich area suits youHow many days you needWhat fits in a short or long stay

Shanghai — common questions

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

The best months for Shanghai are April, May, September, October and November. Highs then range from 18°C to 28°C, crowds are medium at peak, and a week here is expensive.

What is the weather like in Shanghai?

July is the warmest month, with daytime highs around 32°C. January is the coolest, around 10°C by day and 1°C at night. July is the wettest, with about 20 wet days. Figures are measured averages, not estimates.

What is Shanghai known for?

Shanghai is best known for city life, culture, history, food, architecture and nightlife. The things people come for: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Jing'an Temple.

Who is Shanghai best suited to?

Shanghai works particularly well for first-time visitors, groups of friends and luxury. That is based on what there is to do there, not on who books it most.

What can you book in advance in Shanghai?

The experiences that sell out first are food tours, cooking classes, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, walking tours and night tours. You can check availability and prices on our booking partners below — you pay the same as booking direct.

Do I need a visa for China?

That depends on your passport and how long you are staying, so there is no single answer. TonyPlan has a visa and entry checker — put in your nationality and it tells you what applies to you.

Get the Shanghai guide as a PDF

Why to go, the best months with real measured temperatures, which area to stay in, and what flights cost right now — in one file you can read on the plane. Free.

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Planning Shanghai?

Best time to visitIs it expensive?On a budgetIs it safe?How many days

Free tools for your Shanghai trip

Budget calculatorPacking listFlight time & jet lagTrip countdown
Food tours in Shanghai: what to eat & tours compared →
Arriving by plane? Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to the centre →
Best option: maglev · about 40 km to People's Square